Veterans Resource Center (VRC) - Frequently Asked Questions

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site.

General Information

The 1st Lt. Peter J. Gallo Veterans Resource Center at Merced College provides support services to student veterans, active-duty military members, reservists, and their dependents. The VRC helps ease the transition from military to civilian life and provides resources for academic success.

Education & Enrollment

  1. Complete VA Form 22-1990 (for veterans) or 22-5490 (for dependents) through the VA website.
  2. Request Joint Service Transcripts to evaluate transcripts for course credit. JST website
  3. Submit your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) or eligibility documentation to the Merced College Veterans Certifying Official in the VRC.
  4. Request and submit ALL official transcripts from college/universities attended to Merced College
  5. Meet with a Veterans Counselor to develop a comprehensive student educational plan (CSEP).
  6. Submit a Semester Request Form each term (see next question)
  7. Meet with the VA School Certifying Official to certify courses to the VA.

A Semester Request Form is required every term to activate your VA education benefits.
Email Vetereans Resource Center Staff ([email protected]) to request the form via Adobe Sign

No. You can only take courses listed on your approved Student Educational Plan (SEP).
If another counselor adds courses not reviewed by the Veterans Counselor, those courses may not be payable by the VA.
It’s recommended you meet with the Veterans Counselor at least once per semester to stay on track.

Any time you add, drop, or withdraw from a course, you must notify VRC Staff.
Unreported changes could result in VA overpayments, which you are responsible for repaying.

  • If a student is called to active military duty any time during the semester or term, they are entitled to petition for military withdrawal (MW).
  • Military withdrawals shall not be counted in progress probation and dismissal calculations, and shall not be counted toward the permitted number of withdrawals or counted as an enrollment attempt.
  • Service members must provide copies of their military orders to the Admissions and Records Office.

Financial & Academic Standing

  • California College Promise Grant – Waives tuition fees for eligible veterans.
  • Federal Pell Grant – Based on financial need (apply via FAFSA).
  • Merced College Scholarships – Some scholarships are designated for veterans and military-affiliated students.
  • CalVet College Fee Waiver – The College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents waives mandatory tuition and fees at California Community Colleges, CSU, and UC campuses. It does not cover books, parking, or housing. Eligibility is based on one of four specific benefit plans for dependents of Veterans.

  • Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA
  • If GPA falls below 2.0, you’ll be placed on academic probation, and the VA will be notified
  • After three consecutive semesters on probation, VA benefits may be suspended for at least one semester
  • Satisfactory Academic Progress is also required to maintain financial aid eligibility

If you’re using Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) benefits, you can verify your enrollment for school or training on VA.gov. If you’re getting benefits through the STEM Scholarship, you can verify your enrollment by text or email. Visit the Education and Training Page to find out how to verify your enrollment based on which benefit you’re using

VA Education Benefits Overview

Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill® Active Duty

https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-active-duty/  (Active Duty)

Available for those who enlisted in the US Armed Forces with an Honorable Discharge

Chapter 31 Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation Program

https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/

  • Received a discharge other than Dishonorable
  • Transitioning Servicemembers within six months prior to discharge from active duty
  • One year following discharge from active duty
  • Currently eligible for a VA education benefit
  • All current VA education beneficiaries

Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill®

https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/

  • Served at least 90 aggregate days of active duty after September 10, 2001
  • Honorably discharged from active duty for a service-connected disability after serving 30 continuous days following September 10, 2001
  • Percentage of benefit determined by length of service

Chapter 1606 (Reservist)

https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/montgomery-selected-reserve/ (Reserve)

  • Members of the Selected Reserve of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard, and the Army and Air National Guard
  • The Reserve or Guard component will code eligibility into the DoD personnel system to become eligible.
  • Incur a six-year Selected Reserve Obligation
  • Completed IADT (Initial Active Duty for Training)
  • Maintain Selected Reserve Status
  • Completed High School

Chapter 35 Dependents Educational Assistance Program

https://www.va.gov/education/survivor-dependent-benefits/dependents-education-assistance/

  • Spouse, Son, or Daughter of a veteran who is connected to a permanent and total service disability
  • Missing in Action, died while on active duty or a result of a service-related condition
  • Died in line of duty (Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, CH 33, Post 9/11)

Student Support & Resources

  • VA Benefits Certification – Assistance with applying for and maintaining GI Bill® benefits.
  • Academic Counseling – Guidance on educational pathways and degree completion.
  • Textbook & Technology Resources – Access to a lending library of textbooks and computer/printer services.
  • Career & Employment Assistance – Help with connections to veteran-friendly employers.
  • Mental Health & Wellness Support – Access to personal counseling through the Student Health Services Office.
  • Veteran Student Lounge – A dedicated space for studying and networking with fellow veterans.

Yes. Veterans students can access personal counseling services through the Student Health Services Office at Merced College. The VRC also partners with community resources, such as the Veterans Administration (VA) and veteran support groups, to provide additional mental health support.

  • Visit the Veterans Resource Center in the Student Union, Room 126.
  • Attend VRC-hosted events, workshops, and networking opportunities

Yes! Services like counseling, certification, and career support are available virtually via phone or email.

Helpful Tips

  • Meet with the Veterans Counselor every semester

  • Submit the Semester Request Form each term

  • Report schedule changes immediately

  • Keep track of your GPA and verify enrollment regularly